The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Director General Kashifu Inuwa has called on the public and private sectors to increase their investment in cybersecurity professional training as part of the transformative journey to strengthen national security with a complete commitment to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust. He cites the fact that the advantages of securing organisations and processes far outweigh the risks of cyberattacks.
At the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, which was hosted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, the DG made this appeal as a Guest Speaker while delivering a paper titled “Alternative to Cybercrime.”
With the theme “An Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” the summit served as a forum for industry captains, security agency chiefs, and traditional and religious leaders to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences with an emphasis on improving digital skills as a means of thwarting cybercrime.
While suggesting alternate career options for Nigeria’s youth and tactics to strengthen national cyber resilience, Inuwa underlined the pressing need to combat the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria.
He explained the intricacies of cybercrime, pointing out that as technology gets more interconnected, it no longer only affects laptops and desktop computers but also mobile devices, smart TVs, automobiles, and more.
The financial sector continues to be the most vulnerable in Africa, with over 3,300 cyberattacks reported each week, according to Inuwa, who also listed the five main categories of cybercrime that have been identified by research: attacks on technical products or services, attacks and extortion, data or identity theft, scam and cashing out, or money laundering.
“We are confronted with an urgent reality: Nigeria, a nation with a rich culture, talent, and limitless potential, is unfortunately grappling with the global menace of cybercrime, but today we are going to look at alternatives to cybercrime,” he said, emphasising that cybercrime is a global issue that affects every facet of the digital economy, particularly in Nigeria.
Inuwa listed the fundamental causes of cybercrimes, including financial incentives, unemployment, and ignorance of the ethical and legal ramifications. She advocated for a more comprehensive strategy to combat cybercrime, one that includes both law enforcement and providing people who are tempted by illicit online activity with viable alternatives.
“We need to look at alternatives to cybercrime, and the government must focus on digital literacy, skills development, and job creation to steer young Nigerians away from cyber criminality,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised the significance of giving young Nigerians constructive choices and the digital economy’s potential to generate millions of employment and make a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP.
One of the event’s highlights was when Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, unveiled and opened the EFCC Rapid Response Centre, a 24/7 cybercrime response desk.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; the Ooni of Ile Ife, who was represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Okoh; and many others.
